MOTOR racing star Hannah Chapman is hoping luck is on her side this weekend after a cracked windscreen robbed her of the chance of a top-10 finish.

The Mini driver had qualified 16th for the final race of the weekend at Brands Hatch last month in the Quaife Mini Challenge.

A quick start saw her move up through the field but luck was not on her side.

She said: “Race three was full wet, which I love, but my windscreen completely fogged up.

“I had no choice but to back right off and to get it cleared.

“There was just a crack in the screen, lots of moisture, and a couple of others were having the same sort of issue.

“They get cracked and chipped, and unfortunately when it rains like that it is almost impossible.

“I dropped right back and limped round safely, which was so annoying.

“I got a really good start, passed a couple of people but then the screen fogged and that was game over.

“I felt so confident going into the race.”

The fast-paced action moves on to Oulton Park this weekend, with two races spread over Saturday and Sunday.

The Cheshire circuit has fond memories for Chapman, who lives in Dunbar.

East Lothian Courier: Hannah Chapman. Picture: Nick KeaneHannah Chapman. Picture: Nick Keane

In the Scottish Mini series, she picked up her first ever top 10 finish, a result which marked what she described as “my turning point”.

Now, she is looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of the Hybrid Tune Motorsport Mini with qualifying on Saturday.

She said: “I’m quite excited about it – it feels like forever since Brands Hatch.

“Although my results did not really reflect it, I feel I made a lot of good progress.

“I cannot wait to get back out there and try to keep moving in the right direction.”

The former Dunbar Grammar School pupil was looking to improve on her qualifying performances, which should make it easier to battle it out at the front of the pack.

Similarly, Chapman felt that her increasing confidence could prove vital when it came to shaving tenths of a second off her laps.

The action comes after she changed job and moved from Aberdeen.

Now, she is working alongside team-mate Joe Tanner with Rennat Helmet Design at Knockhill in Fife and back living in Dunbar.

East Lothian Courier: Hannah Chapman is no stranger to Knockhill, where she now works. Copyright Mark Anderson and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.Hannah Chapman is no stranger to Knockhill, where she now works. Copyright Mark Anderson and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

She said: “The slower, technical corners, I’m really strong in.

“It is the high speed that is letting me down at the moment.

“I need to get back on the power and really it is just a confidence thing.

“I cannot wait for the lightbulb moment where it all clicks and comes together.

“It is so close and so competitive.

“Even if you are one or two miles per hour off it then that drops half a second and you are way down the bottom end of the grid.

“They are split by such small margins.”

The 28-year-old currently sits 22nd in the standings but a couple of good results at the 2.26-mile circuit this weekend would fire her up the championship table.